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Low costs, tech focused & more: How can Indian exports stay competitive? Explained – The Times of India
The global economy is slowing down and trade dynamics are undergoing a change.At a time like this, India needs to evaluate its export strategies, with focus on long-term competitiveness through technology, cost efficiency, and domestic production, Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) explainedSpeaking to ANI, Srivastava said, “The focus should be on lowering production costs, simplifying regulations, and accelerating ease of doing business especially in logistics, compliance, and taxation.” He also highlighted the need for a dual approach, which combines foreign technology partnerships with investment in reverse engineering and product localisation.Referring to the electronics, machinery and digital technology sector, the GTRI chief said, “What India consumes, it must also be able to make and export.” Meanwhile, on the international trade front, negotiations with the US are advancing well, even though no official announcement has been made.India is also quietly reviewing sectoral risks and preparing to mitigate potential disruptions by diversifying trade away from the US and boosting domestic capabilities.Regarding Europe, Srivastava confirmed that the India-UK free trade agreement has been signed and is pending ratification in the British Parliament. “(The EU deal) is in an advanced stage of negotiation, with most chapters close to closure,” he said, adding that both agreements are expected to open new markets, strengthen investor confidence, and integrate supply chains with Europe.Global financial trends are another key factor for India. “When the Fed raises rates, money tends to flow back to the US, putting pressure on the rupee, widening the current account deficit, and tightening liquidity,” Srivastava warned. He stressed that careful macroeconomic management and strong domestic growth drivers will be critical to managing currency volatility while sustaining exports.On the question of India staying out of trade blocs like RCEP and CPTPP, Srivastava said the country is not at a disadvantage. “Nearly 80% of global trade still takes place at non-preferential tariff rates. Rather than rushing to join every bloc, India should focus on improving export competitiveness, logistics efficiency, and ease of doing business.”“India, rather than waiting for global stability, should use this ‘no-rules’ phase to rebuild the foundations of competitiveness across industry, agriculture, and services,” he said. Investments in green and digital technologies, large-scale manufacturing, and secure supply chains are key, he added.On addressing the trade deficit with China, he said India needs “large-scale reverse engineering, technology adaptation, and supply chain localisation” in sectors like electronics, machinery, and chemicals. “Over time, such capability-building will not only narrow the trade gap but also make India a credible global supplier,” he said.He concluded by urging coordinated action from both government and industry. “The government must provide a stable trade policy, faster clearances, and targeted incentives,” he said. “The private sector, in turn, should invest in R&D, design, branding, and technology partnerships to create globally competitive products.”“In a slower, more fragmented global economy, the winners will be those who build resilience at home while shaping trade on their own terms,” Srivastava said.
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Piyush Goyal termed the Budget “economically and fundamentally very strong”, and stated that it “reflects the aspirations of the youth of the country”.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. (File photo)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday termed Budget 2026 “futuristic and holistic”, and stated that it “reflects the aspirations of the youth of the country and is forward-looking”.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18 on Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Goyal said, “This is a fabulous budget and it is very futuristic. The Budget 2026 has covered all sectors including technology, infrastructure, etc.”
“The technology sector has been given a thrust. The budget focuses on infrastructure. It is a holistic and forward-looking budget refecting future ready Bharat,” he said, adding, “The budget meets the aspirations of the youth and new India.”
Stating that the Budget is economically and fundamentally very strong, the Union Minister said, “Farmers, animal husbandry and labour-intensive sectors get a major push as this Budget focuses on investment, value addition and jobs.”
#Exclusive | “The Budget is economically and fundamentally very strong,”Preparing India for Viksit Bharat. Farmers, animal husbandry and labour-intensive sectors get a major push as the Budget focuses on investment, value addition and jobs.@Parikshitl in an exclusive… pic.twitter.com/tJr2SItcaW
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 1, 2026
‘Budget 2026 Is Human-Centric’: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Union Budget 2026 is “human-centric and strengthens India’s foundation with path-breaking reforms.” The Prime Minister also described it as historic and a catalyst for accelerating the country’s reform trajectory and long-term growth.
Following the presentation of the Budget in Parliament, PM Modi said the proposals would energise the economy, empower citizens and give India’s youth fresh opportunities to scale new heights.
“This budget brings the dreams of the present to life and strengthens the foundation of India’s bright future. This budget is a strong foundation for our high-flying aspirations of a developed India by 2047,” he said.
Calling the government’s reform agenda a “Reform Express”, the Prime Minister added, “The reform express that India is riding today will gain new energy and new momentum from this budget.”
February 01, 2026, 19:01 IST
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Interest rates are widely expected to remain at 3.75% as Bank of England policymakers prioritise curbing above-target inflation while also monitoring economic growth, according to expert analysis.
The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is anticipated to leave borrowing costs unchanged when it announces its latest decision on Thursday, marking its first interest rate setting meeting of the year.
This follows a rate cut delivered before Christmas, which was the fourth such reduction.
At the time, Governor Andrew Bailey noted that the UK had “passed the recent peak in inflation and it has continued to fall”, enabling the MPC to ease borrowing costs. However, he cautioned that any further cuts would be a “closer call”.
Since that decision, official data has revealed that inflation unexpectedly rebounded in December, rising for the first time in five months.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate reached 3.4% for the month, an increase from 3.2% in November, with factors such as tobacco duties and airfares contributing to the upward pressure on prices.
Economists suggest this inflation uptick is likely to reinforce the MPC’s inclination to keep rates steady this month.
Philip Shaw, an analyst for Investec, stated: “The principal reason to hold off from easing again is that at 3.4% in December, inflation remains well above the 2% target.”
He added: “But with the stance of policy less restrictive than previously, there are greater risks that further easing is unwarranted.”
Shaw also highlighted other data points the MPC would consider, including gross domestic product (GDP), which saw a return to growth of 0.3% in November – a potentially encouraging sign for policymakers.
Matt Swannell, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, affirmed: “Keeping bank rate unchanged at 3.75% at next week’s meeting looks a near-certainty.”
He noted that while some MPC members who favoured a cut in December still have concerns about persistent wage growth and inflation, recent data has not been compelling enough to prompt back-to-back reductions.
Edward Allenby, senior economic advisor at Oxford Economics, forecasts the next rate cut to occur in April.
He explained: “The MPC will continue to face a delicate balancing act between supporting growth and preventing inflation from becoming entrenched, with forthcoming data on pay settlements likely to play a decisive role in shaping the next policy move.”
The Bank’s policymakers have consistently voiced concerns regarding the pace of wage increases in the UK, which can fuel overall inflation.
India’s budget focuses on infrastructure and defence spending and tax breaks for data-centre investments.
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